Chicago Bears 2014 Training Camp Profile: Adrian Wilson

By Clyde A. Speller

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Even with numerous safeties added to the Chicago Bears’ roster prior to minicamp, the organization felt that bringing in another one would only help a defense that struggled severely in 2013. The Bears agreed to a one-year deal with 14-year veteran Adrian Wilson. Despite spending the entire 2013 season on injured reserve with the New England Patriots after suffering a torn Achilles, Chicago saw it fit to try out the five-time Pro Bowler, and felt he was well enough to compete for a roster spot this summer in training camp.

Throughout Wilson’s career, he’s had a reputation of being one of the best safeties in the NFL. However, that status won’t guarantee the three-time All-Pro a spot in the Bears’ starting secondary. As mentioned before, Chicago has brought in a number of safeties. One of them, Ryan Mundy, is currently penciled in as the team’s starting strong safety, and will be Wilson’s main competition at the start of training camp later this month.

Even if Mundy beats out Wilson for the strong safety spot, there might be a remote possibility that Wilson could be tried out at free safety, in the event that last year’s starter Chris Conte doesn’t fully recover from offseason shoulder surgery, or M.D. Jennings and rookie Brock Vereen don’t live up to expectations.

The only way I see Wilson making the 53-man roster is if he earns a spot in the starting lineup. I don’t think that the Bears will waste a roster spot by having Wilson as a second-stringer, who are usually used on special teams. Wilson is too much of a seasoned veteran to be used in such a way. That spot can be used for another much-needed position, like linebacker. The way I see it for Wilson, it’s starting lineup, or bust.